Wife quizzed in South Yorkshire murder probe

NEIGHBOURS in a South Yorkshire village were in shock after a man was stabbed to death and his wife arrested on suspicion of murder.

Alan and Tracey White were described as “a happy-go-lucky” couple with no known history of problems.

However, last night, a Home office pathologist was carrying out a post-mortem examination on Mr White while his 43-year-old wife was being quizzed by detectives in connection with the alleged murder.

Police were called to the couple’s detached home in Bond Street, Rossington, shortly before midnight on Sunday.

Mr White, 49, who was disabled following a works accident, had sustained stab injuries and was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary where he later died.

The couple’s 22-year-old daughter, Amy, is understood to be a nurse working away from Doncaster and it is not known if her brother Michael, 20, was at home at the time of the incident.

Mr and Mrs White’s Seat car was still parked on their cordoned-off driveway as scenes of crimes officers searched the house, which is directly opposite the entrance to Rossington All Saints’ School.

Mrs White is believed to be a dinner lady at Tornedale Infant School in the village.

The couple moved to Bond Street about five years ago. However, not long afterwards Mr White lost a leg in an industrial accident while working as a forklift truck driver.

Neighbours said Mr White, despite wearing a prosthetic limb, was still active and enjoyed doing DIY work on their home, according to neighbours.

Next-door neighbour Graeme Sadler said words could not describe the shock he felt when he was made aware of what had happened while he was in bed.

“I didn’t hear any signs of trouble on Sunday night and the first I knew something was wrong was when I saw the crime scene tape across the drive when I went out first thing to take the dog for a walk,” he said.

“They were a very friendly and happy-go-lucky couple. I often used to pass the time of day with them and John was very friendly. He would do anything for anybody.

“All of this has shocked me. I don’t know of any problems they had - what happens behind four walls is their business and not mine.

“The police have been to see me, but I couldn’t tell them anything because I was in bed and didn’t hear anything.

“This is a real tragedy - John was so active despite losing a leg. You wouldn’t know he had a prosthetic one unless he was wearing shorts.”

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said last night: “A 43-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody assisting police with inquiries.

“Anyone with information about this incident should call South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 1067 of Sunday, December 18.”